MAJOR DEVELOPMENT: US to decide on striking SAA targets

White House press secretary Josh Ernest told journalists at a briefing that Washington does not rule out strikes on Damascus’ forces, even though it is doubtful that this is in the US’ interests.

Earlier, US media reported that air strikes on military targets of the Syrian government’s army are among the number of possibilities being considered by the US.

The ministry of foreign affairs of Russia recognized that such “leaks” in Western media could be a prelude to real actions, and recommended “colleagues in Washington to cautiously calculate the possible consequences of such plans’ realization.”

The US ceased direct cooperation with Russia in Syria this week, but US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are still holding telephone talks on the issue.

Washington, having announced its decision to cease cooperation, referred to Moscow’s failure to fulfill its obligations. The Russian foreign ministry has rejected these accusations and stated that the US cannot fulfill the responsibilities it took upon itself, including distinguishing between the “moderate” opposition and terrorists in Syria.